How To Prevent Sewer From Backing Up
Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)
Oftentimes, grease ends up getting washed into the plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink. Grease sticks to the inside of sewer pipes, and over time, can build up and cause blockages of the sewer lines. Fats, oils, and grease from sources such as meats, dairy, lard, butter, cooking oil, and sauces all contribute to the buildup inside sewer lines. Even garbage disposals and detergents do not prevent fats, oils, and grease from entering the sewer system.
The buildup of fats, oils, and grease can cause partial or even complete blockages of sewer lines. Sewage within the pipes can get backed up and overflow onto the street or into your home. This puts the public in danger by exposing them to potentially disease-causing bacteria in the sewage. Clean-up for the overflow is very expensive, and is usually the responsibility of the home owner.
How you can help:
- Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets
- Scrape grease and food scraps into a can or the trash for disposal
- Place strainers over sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, and empty into the trash
Source: Water Environment Federation. Click here for more information.